Also included in the mix is director William Friedkin’s take on Tracy Letts’ dark and naturally cinematic play “Killer Joe.” Originally written in 1991 and first performed in 1993, “Killer Joe” features violence, nudity and dark themes, all of which have made the journey to the big screen, with a chase scene thrown in for good measure. Read More »

STUDIO CITY, Calif. – Always present but varying in their subtleties are the many layers of composer Tyler Bates’ life. A visitor at his own home, his two assistants Brian and Jo arrive before he does, offering water and serving as escorts up the newly installed staircase. In his studio, attached to his modern, sun drenched home just off Laurel Canyon, guitars of every shape and kind hang on the wall. The well-used ones sit neatly on stands along with his guitarviols – a guitar that can also be played with a bow.

Built above his three-car garage, the studio lacks artwork as Bates feels the presence of other, past films is a distraction. He enters silently and sits in a chair surrounded by his equipment – several computer screens sequencing through the “cosmos” screen saver, speakers, a keyboard, a laptop, and a couple of soundboards. His long brown hair falls to the sides of his face, framing it but never obstructing his view. Read More »

About Speakeasy

Speakeasy is a blog covering media, entertainment, celebrity and the arts. The publication is produced by Barbara Chai and Jonathan Welsh with contributions from the Wall Street Journal staff and others. Write to us at speakeasy@wsj.com or follow us on Twitter at @WSJSpeakeasy or individually @barbarachai.